Friday, November 28, 2014

Research Participants Needed: Transgender Sex Workers

Do you self-identify as a transgender individual? Are you currently working as a sex worker in British Columbia, or have you done so in the last five years?

If so, we would love to hear some of your opinions of and experiences in the health care system in British Columbia. We are two nursing students completing our Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and have a heavy interest in human rights, and we are interested in hearing what you have to say.

Purpose: Often, poor treatment of Transgender Sex Worker (TSW) clients comes from a lack of understanding. The purpose of this study is to find out the positives and the negatives of your health care experiences in British Columbia, and share the information with other health care workers in order to increase the quality of care and support that they can offer for transgender sex worker patients/clients. If we can help other healthcare workers to better understand their clients’ needs, we can help them understand how to meet them.

Potential risks and benefits: The risks involved in this project are minimal, but it is possible that discussing personal experiences may be upsetting to you. If you feel upset after the interview and would like someone to talk to, we can connect you with various free short-term counseling services.

The benefits are that you have the opportunity to be a leading voice for change. Through sharing your experiences, you can help pave the way for a better health care system that understands your unique needs.

If you choose to participate, you have the right to refuse to answer any questions, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any point. Your name will not be used in any documentation to guarantee confidentiality. The interview will take about an hour of your time and will be conducted at a location that is mutually acceptable.

Requirements to participate are as follows. You must:

Self-identify as transgender and are aged 18 or older

Currently work in sex work or have worked in sex work in British Columbia within the past five years

Have accessed the health care system in British Columbia within the past five years (ie: clinic, physician office, emergency room, hospital, mental health clinic, ambulance, or other health care services)

An honorarium will be provided that can go toward the cost of travel.

If you fit the requirements, and you feel that you have experiences to share, please contact: